According to a report by Premium Times on 5 August 2026, a coup suspect has alleged that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji asked him to seek funding from influential individuals for the planned takeover.
The defendant, Erasmus Victor, alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was among those mentioned as a potential financier. However, Victor insisted that he never approached Wike or anyone else to seek funding for the alleged operation.
Victor claimed he repeatedly advised Ma’aji to abandon the alleged plot after the colonel failed to secure a promotion around 2023. According to his statement, Ma’aji later said he needed wealthy sponsors to bankroll the operation.
He said, “Col. Ma’aji asked me to bring Wike to fund the coup to remove President Tinubu.”
Victor alleged that the colonel asked him to use his relationship with Wike, having served as chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area while Wike was governor of Rivers State, to seek financial support for the plan.
The retired naval officer, however, maintained that he never contacted Wike or any of the other individuals mentioned. Instead, he claimed he repeatedly told Ma’aji that he had been unable to secure any sponsors. He also alleged that he began to suspect the plan was a scam aimed at defrauding wealthy individuals.
He further admitted that he never informed security agencies despite becoming aware of the alleged conspiracy. He claimed he consistently discouraged Ma’aji from pursuing the plan and believed it would fail.
Victor and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The allegations remain before the court, where their validity will be determined.